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Author
Topic: AMG 2010...Already?! (Read 62730 times)

Planning for AMG 2009 is coming to an end. And for your coordinator (whoever this may be next year), signals the beginning of planning for AMG 2010. While this may sound a bit premature, I want to ensure that everyone who wants to be heard on this topic has an opportunity.

Year after year, two aspects of AMG continue to remain the most controversial; the destination and time of year. Last year, I had the bright idea that those who took the time and effort to attend AMG should determine where the next AMG should be held. Although not my intent, this left many forum members to feel excluded.

So I'm bringing the decision back to you!

Post your choice of destination and time of year (month) below. The top 3 destinations will be put to a vote sometime after AMG 2009 concludes.

Last year, I had the bright idea that those who took the time and effort to attend AMG should determine where the next AMG should be held. Although not my intent, this left many forum members to feel excluded.

So I'm bringing the decision back to you!

Dennis, thank you for remembering and taking the feelings of non-attendee's into account this time around. It's MUCH appreciated!

Before we start thowing all sorts of cities out there, could we first settle the issue of what continent and narrow it down from there?

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Please, let's not turn this into a battle of the continents. We are choosing a city and month. If you want AMG to be held in Europe, then please choose a city in Europe. If you want AMG to be held in the U.S., then please choose a city within the U.S.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Before this disintegrates into another U.S. vs Europe discussion, I'm thinking there might be a compromise.

A European AMG is something that is entirely possible. All it takes is someone to move it forward.

Are you willing to do that?

Personally, I hate the reality of having two AMGs, but frankly that may be the only practical solution. I can't afford a European trip (and I doubt many can), but that shouldn't preclude European members from experiencing an AMG of their own.

To be honest, if there's a decision to have AMG in Europe, I suspect there would still be one in the U.S.

I propose rather than turn this particular thread about U.S. vs European, that everyone very simply place their vote for a specific city and a specific month.

Let the cards fall where they lie when the votes are tallied, and a final vote is cast after AMG 2009. Should the votes favor a European AMG, than obviously this will require someone to take the concept to fruition.

Everyone has agreed that AMG should be for the members and by the members. So, rather than hash out this tired old debate which has occurred every year for the past four years, CAST YOUR VOTE!

However, I do agree. Should the "official" AMG be held in Europe in 2010, there will be a gathering of some sort in the U.S.

or we could meet inbetween the US and Europe.... Bermuda anyone? Iceland (hmmm.....) or Greenland (it gets a new name now that is independent of Denmark)?

Seriously, Dennis' suggestion of city and month seems the most reasonable and let the chips fall where they may. I once again suggest Las Vegas, Nevada and virtually any month. Room rates there even at the resort are at all time lows.

Sounds like the chips have already fallen Ann. My only suggestion to you (or someone else) is to try and coordinate a European AMG. If the coordinator and seasoned members have already determined that even if by some sort of miracle a city was chosen outside of the Northern Hemisphere and they wouldn't attend or coordinate and would proceed as usual with an AMG stateside, then why bother.

I guess you could still use this forum to coordinate and solicit funds for a European AMG.

May I remind everyone from the U.S. and across the pond that on August 28, 2008 I tried to bring everyone together for an AMG in Europe in 2010. Again, no one has ever stopped there being an AMG in Europe. I'm not quite sure what Daschund means by "seasoned members." I hardly doubt any of the 20 something members who have regularly attended each AMG or myself have that much power over the membership at large here.

May I remind everyone from the U.S. and across the pond that on August 28, 2008 I tried to bring everyone together for an AMG in Europe in 2010. Again, no one has ever stopped there being an AMG in Europe.

I love all the "London is way to expensive" comments. How things change in a year ... it is now the cheapest capital destination in northern Europe and you can't move for the hordes of damned tourists on shopping expeditions.

Sounds like the chips have already fallen Ann. My only suggestion to you (or someone else) is to try and coordinate a European AMG. If the coordinator and seasoned members have already determined that even if by some sort of miracle a city was chosen outside of the Northern Hemisphere and they wouldn't attend or coordinate and would proceed as usual with an AMG stateside, then why bother.

I guess you could still use this forum to coordinate and solicit funds for a European AMG.

(Covers head for inevitable pummeling.)

Aye. I give up. Excuse me for having an opinion on how to proceed with anything having to do with AMG. I'll have nothing more to say on the matter as I'll probably get shot down in flames regardless of what I - or anyone else, I presume - might say. Nevermind that there's already been interest shown in having it in Europe in 2010 as evidenced in this thread, which was started last August but posted to recently.

You guys decide where to have it (and you've obviously already decided it's North America) and if it sounds good to me, I'll go. If not, I'll stay home yet again. No skin off my back either way.

Ann(who is shocked at the vitriol shown over a simple suggestion)

(and who sees that Dennis has spoken while I was typing my relpy, but can't be bothered to change what she's already written. Whatever.)

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Quite remarkably we have so far refrained from flaming or vitriol (this is the internet though....lol) This is the 'brainstorming" stage so there should be a free flow of ideas and suggestions. Usually from those suggestions a consensus emerges...this is a good thing. Please don't refrain from contributing to the brainstorming. AMG is a wonderful gathering but it is a gathering of cash strapped people all across the globe. Naturally there are logistical considerations...keep the suggestions coming!

Nothing has been decided. All I've asked you and everyone else to do is vote for a city and month. So, far I've received 3 votes; Chicago, Las Vegas, and London.

London wasn't a suggestion. I live 500yds from the world's busiest concert venue - the last thing I want is more tourists expecting a free bed for the night (although I'd obviously make an exception for Ann)..

Silly me! I somehow mistook your post pluggin' London as the cheapest northern European capital as a vote. Afterall, I only created this thread for members to cast a vote signifying their city and month choice for AMG 2010. Whatever was I thinking?

Anyways. I vote for London in August. My teaching practicum begins the end August so any trip past then would be impossible for me.

And don't worry Luke. I'm capable of securing my own accommodations, as well as those for 50+ other people should we make it your way.

London wasn't a suggestion. I live 500yds from the world's busiest concert venue - the last thing I want is more tourists expecting a free bed for the night (although I'd obviously make an exception for Ann)..

I know that there was some discussion about having an AMG in a southern state.

How about Houston or New Orleans? Seattle would be lovely, too. I know that Aug / Sept seems to be a good time for everyone, but down south would be VERY hot during those months. Seattle seems to have pretty weather all year long.

Hubby grew up in N.O. and could help with arranging stuff if that's what's decided.

I love all the far-flung destinations; but I don't have a car anymore nor enough $$ on disability to get much further than the 50 miles to Cleveland. Unless y'all really want to visit the Football Hall of Fame here in my hometown of Canton. LOL There's always a big shindig of a parade, fireworks, and festivals at the end of Aug with the HOF Inductee Ceremonies.

If I'm ever going to meet any of y'all in person, the AMG will need to visit my neck of the woods - hence my locale suggestion.

Though I might be able to make arrangements for Charlotte NC in early Aug of next yr, if my grandmother is still alive. (and she should be ) I could make the AMG and celebrate at her 95th bday party in the same trip. I'm sure my family could help me with those travel arrangments.

Logged

leatherman (aka mIkIE)

All the stars are flashing high above the seaand the party is on fire around you and meWe're gonna burn this disco down before the morning comes- Pet Shop Boys chart from 1992-2015Isentress/Prezcobix

I'm not going to put a vote in here because I think it needs to be split into the US and Europe. I just can't afford to go the US or half of Europe come to think of it. I'm sure there is plenty of people in the US in the same situation. If a small gathering in Europe was proposed and there was enough takers then I'd be interested!

We will do the best we can to attend an AMG in the US next year, but one in Europe is out of the question for us. We have yet to see any interest from our European brothers and sisters to take the reigns to coordinate a celebration across the pond so we remain steadfast in our choice of a US venue.

London wasn't a suggestion. I live 500yds from the world's busiest concert venue - the last thing I want is more tourists expecting a free bed for the night (although I'd obviously make an exception for Ann)..

Thames Barrier still as busy as ever? Last time I was there in 2001 I landed about five Nigerian boys.

Since we're allowed a proxy vote Matty has asked me to cast his for London. He's on the dole so any month will do. My husband (who wishes to remain anonymous) would also like to vote for London. Again any 'ol month will do.

I told him it would be a wasted vote but Sam insists on voting for Dusseldorf in January.

ps. Ms Phillicia, no matter the outcome I'm planning on a trip to London in 2010. Care to join me?

Since we're allowed a proxy vote Matty has asked me to cast his for London. He's on the dole so any month will do. My husband (who wishes to remain anonymous) would also like to vote for London. Again any 'ol month will do.

I told him it would be a wasted vote but Sam insists on voting for Dusseldorf in January.

ps. Ms Phillicia, no matter the outcome I'm planning on a trip to London in 2010. Care to join me?

Not that I really have any say in it as I haven't attended any yet, but I do think splitting it into a NA/Europe thing would be great. If there were people attending a Euro one that you wanted to see and you could afford it, nothing would be stopping anyone from attending it. Especially if they were held at different times. Hell, go to both. I know I couldn't afford it, but that would be neat to see.

I'm poor as shit and a college student (oxymoron). I vote the hour and a half trip on a bus I'd have to make to Philadelphia, as that's pretty much the only major city (outside of NYC, which is about the same distance) that I could make. xD Anytime in the summer would do. I guess July would be easiest for me.

I'm not going to put a vote in here because I think it needs to be split into the US and Europe. I just can't afford to go the US or half of Europe come to think of it. I'm sure there is plenty of people in the US in the same situation. If a small gathering in Europe was proposed and there was enough takers then I'd be interested!

Not that I really have any say in it as I haven't attended any yet, but I do think splitting it into a NA/Europe thing would be great. If there were people attending a Euro one that you wanted to see and you could afford it, nothing would be stopping anyone from attending it. Especially if they were held at different times. Hell, go to both. I know I couldn't afford it, but that would be neat to see.

I'm poor as shit and a college student (oxymoron). I vote the hour and a half trip on a bus I'd have to make to Philadelphia, as that's pretty much the only major city (outside of NYC, which is about the same distance) that I could make. xD Anytime in the summer would do. I guess July would be easiest for me.

I think these two posts are the most practical of all (and say what I've said a while back). There are basically two 'ingredients' that must be present for a successful AMG, in my opinion. These are location and time/date. Location doesn't just mean a convenient, fun place with lots to do. It also means a place where people can actually go. The cost of the location and transportation to it are paramount here. I think it's pretty obvious that there is no open account with which to pay for flights and / or lodging. Most attendees pay their own way; some receive assistance from other members. If we want folks to attend, we need to choose a location that's affordable for the majority.

Having two AMG's makes sense. Neither would be the 'main' or 'sub' event. Both would be equally important. For this to happen, there needs to be an individual to take the reins for a European AMG. BTW, hubby and I would love to attend an AMG in London, Paris, or most any other location (just not Mexico City again!), but it's not in the budget in the foreseeable future. Hell, Boston is stretching our finances this year.

I like to think of cars in situations like this. My dreams and wishes may be Maserati, but my wallet says Toyota. Guess which one wins?

Anywhere is Europe would be a special AMG trip. David NC, I don't want to assume anything here as I don't know your business nor do I mean to imply any negative connotations...but this years selected city, Boston, is NOT a vacation on the cheap by any means. But yes, it still costs more to fly to Europe/hotel accommodations. A bit each month set aside to travel to Europe could be started by each individual soon as boston AMG is over and I bet a nice size group would result in several months. I'd love to meet Ann, see Chris again and several others at a AMG gathering, specific.